Serbian Orthodox Church

His Grace Bishop Longin was born on September 29, 1955 as Momir Krco in the town of Kruscanje Olovo. His parents were Stanoje and Andja (nee Jovanovic) Krco. He attended grade school in Olovske Luke from 1962 to 1970. He entered Three Hierarchs Seminary in Monastery Krka in 1970 and graduated in 1975.

During this time he was tonsured a monk and received the small schema as a fifth year student. The tonsuring was done by Bishop Stefan of Dalmatia on the eve of the school Slava of the Holy Three Hierarchs on February 11, 1975. At the Divine Liturgy on February 12th he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Stefan. On February 13th, he was ordained a priest.

He entered the Moscow Theological Academy in 1975 where he graduated in 1979. From October 1980 to April 1981, he served in the Diocese of Zvornik-Tuzla as secretary of the Executive Board. He was also administrator of two parishes. On the decision of the Holy Synod of Bishops he was appointed as lecturer of the Holy Three Hierarchs Seminary in 1983 for two years.

At the Sabor of May 1985 he was elected Vicar Bishop of Morava to the Patriarch. He was consecrated on October 20, 1985. His Holiness served the Divine Liturgy along with Metropolitan Vladimir of Rostov and Novo Cerkay (now Metropolitan of Kiev) who had been Dean of the Moscow Theological Academy while Bishop Longin was a student. Also serving were Bishop Nikolaj of Dalmatia, who had been Dean at the Seminary in Krka Monastery where the young Bishop had begun his theological education; and Bishop Vasilije of Zvornik-Tuzla.

Present at the services were the following bishops of the Serbian Church: Metropolitan Vladislav of Dabro-Bosna, Metropolitan Jovan of Zagreb and Ljubljbana, Bishop Chrysostom of Branicevo, Bishop Pavle of Ras and Prizren, Bishop Stefan of Zica and Bishop Jefrem of Banja Luka. As guests present were the Archimandrite Platon, professor of the Moscow Theological Academy, Canon Dr. Colin Hikling, professor of Holy Scriptures at the London University, where the new bishop had done post graduate studies. In May of 1986 he was elected Bishop of Australia and New Zealand, where he spent six and a half years. Besides serving the great territory of Australia he also built churches and was involved in work with the youth. Bishop Longin was known especially as a fighter for unity of the Serbian Church.

At the Sabor in 1992 at the request of His Holiness and brother hierarchs, Bishop Longin accepted the duty of being bishop of Dalmatia. He was not able to enter his residence in Sibenik, but had to reside in Monastery Krka, where he lectured at the seminary. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Pavle, he journeyed to Canada and Australia where he collected donations for the suffering Serbian people. After the tragic occurences in August of 1995, Bishop Longin and the entire seminary from Monastery Krka stayed at Divcibare near Valjevo. At the same time he helped Bishop Lavrentije of Saba-Valjevo in diocesan matters. Along with Bishop Nikanor of Gornji Karlovac, he worked with refugees, visited the camps and delivered help which had been sent mainly by the Serbs in the Diaspora.

With the decision of His Holiness Patriarch Pavle, he was appointed on July 31, 1997 as auxiliary in the administration of the Diocese of America and Canada – New Gracanica Metropolitanate. On May 23, 1998, he was appointed as Administrator of the Diocese of America and Canada -New Gracanica Metropolitanate, while on May 5, 1999, he was elected at the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Sabor, as Bishop of the Diocese of America and Canada, New Gracanica Metropolitanate. This fulfilled the request of the Diocesan Council and the Ecclesiastical Court as well as the desire of the clergy and delegates of the Seventh Church National Sabor held on April 23 – 24, 1999.

After the administrative arrondation of our Church on the North American Continent in May 2009, a better and canonically more correct organization of our faithful people was achieved. In the same year, Bishop Longin was elected Bishop of New Gracanica-Midwestern America. Since then, His Eminence has resided in Libertyville, retaining offices at Pokrov-Protection Monastery. The intention is for our oldest Monastery to be renovated in many ways, so that all monasteries and parish churches can successfully continue the mission of salvation and deliverance from all evil! For this, we pray to the Lord!

Father Stefan Lukić was born in 1992 in the village of Mrovska near Šabac, to his parents Branislav and Milanka Lukić. He completed elementary school in the village of Kaona with excellent results and then enrolled in the St. Sava Seminary in Belgrade, which he graduated with excellent results.

After the seminary, he enrolled at the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox School of Theology in Libertyville, Illinois. After completing his studies in 2016, he enrolled in a master’s degree in church and canon law at the University of Belgrade.

He is married to his wife Bojana, with whom he has a daughter, Anđelija. With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Longin, on June 1, 2026, he was appointed parish priest in Hot Springs.

St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Hot Springs, AR, is a great place of worship and community for followers of the Christian Orthodox faith. Adjacent to the church, you will find a Christian Orthodox cemetery, a sacred and serene space for the final resting place of loved ones.

The Christian Orthodox cemetery (located next to the church,) provides a peaceful and dignified environment for burials in accordance with the traditions of the Orthodox faith. The grounds are meticulously cared for, reflecting the deep respect and reverence we hold for those who have passed on.

We are available to provide you with more information and guide you through the process of securing a grave place. We understand the importance of finding a final resting place that aligns with your Christian Orthodox beliefs, and we are here to assist you with compassion and sensitivity.

At St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, we strive to honor the memory of our loved ones and provide a place of solace, prayer, and remembrance. The Christian Orthodox cemetery is a testament to our commitment to upholding the traditions and customs of our faith, ensuring a place of eternal rest for those who have departed.

For more information about purchasing a grave place within the Christian Orthodox cemetery at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Hot Springs, AR, please reach out to us at 708-369-2827. We are here to support you and provide you with the necessary information and guidance during this difficult time.

Supporting our church community is very important for the revival and growth of our Serbian Orthodox Parish in Hot Springs, AR. We are excited to share that we now have a new, young priest who is dedicated to bringing new energy and vitality to our community. By giving regularly, you have the opportunity to be a part of this exciting new chapter and make a significant impact on our parish’s future.

It is crucial that we come together and support our church financially, as the parish has two churches, two church properties, two church halls, and a cemetery, all of which come with significant monthly expenses. Your generous donations will enable us to cover these expenses and provide the necessary resources for our priest to lead meaningful worship services, engage the congregation, and implement programs that enrich the spiritual lives of our members. Every donation, regardless of its size, has a profound impact on our community and symbolizes your dedication to our parish’s growth and well-being. Together, we can create a vibrant and thriving church community that serves as a beacon of faith and support for all who seek solace and guidance.